By varying the chirp of high-intensity pulses, we can use the chirp-conditi
on-dependent fluorescence yield to distinguish among different molecules or
the same molecule in different microenvironments. As an example of the lat
ter we show that SNAFL-2, a well-known pH-sensitive dye, shows large modula
tion in fluorescence yield in response to both variation in acidity and var
iation in chirp condition. Future applications of this as a novel contrast
mechanism within fluorescence microscopy is discussed. (C) 1999 Optical Soc
iety of America. OCIS codes: 050.1590, 170.2520, 260.2510, 320.2250, 320.71
30.